Articles

David Lovio, a member of the ConcernedResource Environmental Workers, cuts down an orange tree Aug. 19.

Andra Belknap,Ojai Valley News reporter

Approximately 300 orange trees were removed from two orchards in the Ojai Valley's East End Aug. 19 as part of a state-wide program to protect California from the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP).

ACP is a dire concern for local citrus growers because the bug serves as a carrier for the incurable citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB). HLB is fatal to citrus trees and widely credited with decimating Florida's citrus industry.